How To Tie A Double Fisherman’s Knot

How To Tie A Double Fisherman’s Knot.

The double fisherman’s knot is a popular knot and used for joining two lines or ropes together. It also useful for bushcraft and survival. As the knot can also be used for tying lanyards and making loops with the one piece of cordage.

How to tie a double fisherman’s knot.

1. Lay the two lines parallel to each other. 2. Wrap one full turn over the other line, creating a loop. 3. Continue the wrap, creating a second full turn. 4. Insert the end under the two loops. 5. With the other line, wrap one full turn over the other line, creating a loop. 6. Wrap a second turn. 7. Insert the end under the two loops and out. 8. Dress the knot. 9. Tighten and inspect the knot.

Tips to tie the double fisherman’s knot.

It doesn’t matter if you start initially going over, or under the other line with the first wrap. As long as the second knot is followed the same way. E.g., Red initially over blue line for the first knot. Then for the second knot, blue initially over red line for the start of the second knot.

Also it doesn’t matter if you start the knot from the right or left end. Or bottom line first or top line first. For muscle memory though, try to have set sequence to make it easier to remember.

Some people place their thumb on the first line, then wrap and “X” over the thumb with the second line. The line is inserted under where the thumb was.

Another way to make sure you are tying the knot correctly, is too remember to thread the working end or tag end (Yellow arrows.) through under the “X” (Green “X”.) that is created by the first two turns.

The knot can easily be tied incorrectly, so always check the knot is correct.

As in the above image, the back of the knot should have four parallel strands close together. The tag ends or working ends are pointing opposite each other.

Above image – The double fisherman’s knot is used to tie the ends, to help form a loop for the prusik loops. The prusik knot (Hitch.) is then attached on the ridgeline. So a tarp shelter can then be moved up and down and tensioned easily along the ridgeline.

If you are still unsure on how to tie the double fisherman’s knot, the article on how to tie a fisherman’s knot may help to see the foundation of the knot.

Above photo – A double fisherman’s knot used to tie the ends of a lanyard to secure a pocket knife.

With the double fisherman’s knot joining a neck lanyard / necklace, the length is adjustable.

The drawback of the knot, is that it can be difficult to untie. (Although that can be a positive, as it makes it harder to slip for some applications.)

For slippery ropes, or high load bearing, the triple fisherman’s knot would be a better choice.

The double fisherman’s knot may also be known as the Grapevine knot or Grapevine bend.

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